The two drugs warrants executed at premises on Adelaide Street came about thanks to community intelligence that has been gathered

The neighbouring cannabis factories were found hidden inside just across the road from where shoppers filed into Fleetwood market.

Police carried out an early-hours drugs raid at two separate basement flats on the town’s Adelaide Street and discovered the neighbouring cannabis factories hidden inside.

The total haul was valued at tens of thousands of pounds but has now been destroyed.

Police are still trying to track down those who were renting the properties where the drug plants were found, located behind local shops.

Officers began their search of the premises in the early hours of Friday morning after a tip off from the public.

They found “sophisticated” equipment, including powerful lights, used in the cultivation of cannabis, in addition to a large quantity of the plants.

Shoppers and traders alike watched on Friday lunchtime as officers, some wearing white forensic suits, remained on site and came to and from the premises.

However, as yet no arrests have yet been made and the police are appealing to the public for any information they have which can help with the on-going inquiries.

Insp Jo Jackson, of Fleetwood Police, said: “The two drugs warrants executed at premises on Adelaide Street came about thanks to community intelligence that has been gathered.

“At this time there have been no arrests, but enquiries are ongoing to trace the tenants of the properties.

“We have now dismantled the equipment and taken the relevant material away, and it will never reach the streets of Fleetwood.

“This was a fair-sized cannabis factory and we are grateful for the help we have already received from the community.

“If anyone has further information which can help us with our inquiries we would ask for them to get in touch.”

One local trader, who did not wish to be named, said: “It was a surprise when the police pulled up and the white suits came out but people aren’t shocked by a cannabis den as much as the fact it is right here.”

The find comes exactly a year after another cannabis-growing operation was raided on Poulton Road, Fleetwood, where plants valued at £250,000 were discovered and a teenager from Vietnam was later jailed.

Anyone able to help with the latest inquiries can phone 101 for the attention of Insp Jackson at Fleetwood.